The Focus's new multimedia set-up is counter-intuitive at first and every action is a full arm's length away

At 316 litres, the boot is far from poor but it trails many of its rivals

The refreshed Ford Focus performs well against the clock and pulling power feels strong

The Focus rides well, but its body control has lost some subtlety

Focus remains a responsive car to drive, but has lost some dynamic flair

The updated Ford Focus is still a very complete car, but is let down by a plain cabin and an undistinguished drive

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Ford calls the Focus the best-selling nameplate in the world. There’s an asterix and a bit of a disclaimer to go with that, but no one in the UK can deny that the Blue Oval’s family hatch has achieved ubiquity.

Whether in the guise of a first-generation model bought for peanuts or an example of this, the sixth iteration (counting major and minor revisions), the Focus is as common a sight on the average journey as traffic lights or roundabouts.

That it has achieved this kind of omnipresence has something to do with Ford’s historically strong position in the UK and a command of the mainstream that can be traced back to the origins of the motor car itself.

However, much credit is owed to the Focus itself. Its standout feature, at least for this magazine, has been its handling – a feelsome, responsive mix of comfort and verve not bettered anywhere until the arrival of the most recent Fiesta.

Recent versions of the Focus haven’t excelled in this regard quite like the first few, but Ford’s attention has been redirected as it seeks to meet the challenge of a new breed of upmarket alternatives.

This facelifted Focus continues that effort. As before, the C-car global platform underpins the model, but its new look doesn’t offer any additional cabin space.

Instead, this update is about consolidating the Focus’s lead position, so driver assistance, connectivity, in-car tech and interior design are revised, and a new engine line-up of four core powerplants – the 1.0 and 1.5-litre Ecoboost petrol motors and new 1.5 and 2.0-litre diesels – in various outputs, introduced.